Description:
The Organisation
The Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC) is an initiative brokered by The University of Queensland and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and involves a consortium of partners across industry, education and government. It is the largest CRC to be funded with $87 million from the Commonwealth matching $87 million in partner contributions over the ten year life of the grant.
ZNE-Ag CRC aims to catalyse industry, community and government action to achieve Zero Net Emissions from agriculture from 2040, and below zero net emissions by 2050. Agriculture directly contributes to 14% of Australia's national emissions. Their goal is to ensure Australia's agricultural industries keep growing, while they simultaneously achieve ZNE by 2040 and exceed international emissions reduction targets by 2050.
The Opportunity
The CRC is currently in the establishment phase building to the launch of the company with commissioned projects by July 1st. Operations and interim staff are currently supported and resourced by the University of Queensland. As such, the Chief Executive Officer, supported by the Board, has mandated multiple national searches to appoint the key executives to be in place and employed by the newly established CRC upon commencement of operations.
The Role
ZNE Ag CRC is a complex multi stakeholder organisation that will require sophisticated operating and stakeholder relationship management. In this environment implementing company strategies into daily operations to meet the CRC's objectives will need a detail oriented senior manager with good corporate knowledge of Australian research and development, and commercialisation pathways. Key responsibilities will include;
- Design and implement initial business strategies, plans and procedures;
- Oversight and maintenance of core company operating and management systems;
- Management of complex contracts/funding agreements;
- Recruitment of staff, management of employment contracts;
- Provide high level advice to the CEO, and the management team on business issues, planning, and policy development. Support the CEO in relation to management of IP and commercialisation;
- Develop and maintain relationships with Participants, members, business partners, government agencies, industry bodies and other key stakeholders;
- Participation as a member of the senior management team in ensuring business efficiencies and contributing to the development of organisational strategy;
- Key relationship manager for the Company's lease of premises and major equipment / infrastructure; and
- Assist CEO in fundraising ventures.
Experience, Skills & Attributes
- Senior management experience and responsibility for business operations in a public or private sector entity;
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team with management and staff at all levels and engage constructively with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders;
- Experience with working with and reporting to a Board; and
- Experience with Australian agriculture research and development system and an understanding of industry development and commercialisation pathways would be desirable.
Overwhelmingly, this role is about the provision of leadership and delivery of operational excellence in the establishment and expansion of an exciting new initiative with significant funding and an unseen level of stakeholder engagement from both government and the private sector.
Location
While Head Office will be based in Brisbane, this opportunity offers flexibility in job location across Australia. The final location will be determined based on the preferences and circumstances of the successful candidate.
The advising consultant for this assignment is James Lazarus - Partner, Executive at u&u.
To submit an application, please click below.